Question

Carla is upset about a recent action taken by a top manager at her company that was against the interest of the employees in the lower levels of management. Carla knows that others employees also feel the same way. If she wanted to form a group to look into the matter more closely, which type of group would be recommended?

a. Cross-functional group
b. Command group
c. Friendship group

Answer 1

Carla is recommended to form a cross-functional group to investigate the action taken by a top manager that's against the interests of lower-level employees. A cross-functional group can offer a mix of perspectives and expertise necessary to address company-wide issues effectively, matching modern organizational trends that value flat hierarchies and input from all levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Carla's scenario, she wants to look into a matter that affects different levels of employees within her company. Considering the options given, the recommended type of group would be a cross-functional group. This type of group is composed of members from different departments or areas of expertise, which is beneficial when addressing issues that impact multiple levels of an organization. A cross-functional group can provide diverse perspectives and enable a thorough investigation into the action taken by the top manager. Moreover, forming such a group aligns well with modern organizational structures that favor teamwork and flat hierarchies, where input from all levels is valued.

On the other hand, a command group consists of individuals who report directly to a manager, and this group's focus is typically more on performing assigned tasks rather than investigating matters. A friendship group is an informal group formed through social interactions and personal relationships, which may not have the necessary structure or authority to address company-wide issues effectively.

Finally, forming a cross-functional group may help address some of the collective action problems by offering a structured environment where individuals with shared concerns can come together to make decisions and work towards a common goal. This can provide both material and solidary incentives for participation, as group members may feel empowered and supported in their efforts to initiate change within the organization.

Answer 2

A. Cross- Functional Group

Step-by-step explanation:

A Cross Functional team/group or simply referred to as CFT represents a team that comprise of persons drawn from different areas, departments and functions within an organisation. For instance members of a CFT can be from sales, human resource, marketing and accounting among others.

Members of a CFT are usually personnels from the lower cadres in an organisation and their coming together can be good for making decisions, deliberating on issues bothering the company and they can even be put together by top management as a working group to achieve certain goals.

A unique advantage for Carla to set up a Cross-functional group is inherent in the fact that employees of the lower levels of management that are affected by the action would cut across several units and departments and brining personnel together from this various departments will help to develop solutions to the problem at hand.